The statue of Christ the Redeemer is Brazil’s most famous symbol. It has stood tall in Rio de Janeiro for decades and is a prominent tourist attraction. This post provides several facts about Christ the Redeemer that will leave you amazed about this magnificent monument. Keep reading to be fascinated by the tale of the statue’s creation, as well as the facts surrounding it.
1. Where is Christ the Redeemer?
Christ the Redeemer is a statue atop the Corcovado mountain in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. The Corcovado mountain lies to the west of the city’s center and is within the Tijuca National Park. One can see the peak of the Corcovado mountain from various parts of the city.
2. How tall is Christ the Redeemer?
The statue stands at 30m (98ft). The pedestal (base of the statue) has a height of 8m (26ft). It brings the total height (base+statue) to 38m (124.7ft).
3. What is the weight of the Christ the Redeemer statue?
The approximate weight of the entire structure is 700 tonnes.
4. When was the Christ the Redeemer statue constructed?
The foundation stone of Christ the Redeemer was laid in the year 1922. Though the construction began that year full-fledged development is said to have started in 1926 and lasted until 1931.
5. Who built Christ the Redeemer?
A priest named Pierre-Marie Boss, also called Pedro Maria Boss, first envisioned placing a Christian monument on top of the Corcovado mountain around the year 1859. In 1922, Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and Brazilian artist Carlos Oswald designed the statue. Oswald is credited with the final pose of the Christ with open arms. Paul Landowski, a French sculptor, worked on creating the statue. The statue was thus a collaborative effort of Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, Brazilian artist Carlos Oswald, and French sculptor Paul Landowski.
6. What is Christ the Redeemer made of?
The statue’s base is made of reinforced concrete. The exterior structure is made of soapstone that is placed on an internal reinforced concrete frame. Soapstone is easy to carve, which enabled the sculptors to create several fine details of the clothing on the statue. The stone is durable and can withstand harsh weather.
7. How to get to Christ the Redeemer statue?
Tourists can reach the peak of Corcovado mountain through a narrow road that passes through the forest of the Tijuca National Park. Alternatively, they can take the railroad called Corcovado Rack Railway. There is also a walking trail that goes all the way to the top of the mountain. Once you reach the summit, several escalators take you up to the base of the statue.
8. How long are the arms of the Christ the Redeemer?
The outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer span 28 meters (92 feet).
9. When was the statue opened to visitors?
The statue was officially inaugurated on 12th October 1931.
10. How many people visit Christ the Redeemer every year?
The statue gets nearly 2 million national and international visitors each year.
